SH Minerva now offers world’s first Asia-Pacific cultural expedition cruises
The boutique expedition cruise ship that launched the rebirth of Swan Hellenic opens a new chapter in the pioneering company’s history, introducing five extraordinary explorations across the Asia-Pacific region in April and May 2026 that can be threaded into a unique 55-day voyage, plus two more in September.
Swan Hellenic has unveiled the details of its first-ever cultural expedition cruises of the Asia-Pacific region, enabled by the return of SH Minerva, which has brought the pioneering company’s fleet to full strength.
Offered over two seasons, discerning adventurers have a choice of seven expertly-curated cruises, five in April and May 2026, followed by a further two in September, all of which can be combined into longer explorations as desired.
Fresh from her Antarctic season on April 5, 2026, SH Minerva will depart Honiara, capital of the Solomon Islands, for an exceptional voyage of 5 cultural expedition cruises that explore the pristine nature, spiritual heritage and captivating history of the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan.
In the established Swan Hellenic tradition, these extraordinary cruises never visit the same port twice, meaning they can be daisy-chained to form longer voyages all the way up to a uniquely immersive 55-day grand cruise ending in Otaru, Japan, on May 30, 2026.
The remoteness of these exceptional lands mean that the first three cruises in the series are only provided in Swan Hellenic’s exclusive Cruise Plus formula, which includes specially-booked hotel accommodation, charter flights and transfers to reach the departure ports. The final two cruises, departing from Manila and Hiroshima respectively, are provided as Cruise Only packages, since both are served by regular scheduled flights.
Full details are now available in a dedicated section of the Swan Hellenic website, but here’s taster of each of these five new cultural expedition cruises.
1. Honiara to Jayapura | April 5 – 18 2026 | 13 nights, Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea: Solomon Islands & Papua New Guinea
The voyage begins in Honiara, where echoes of World War 2 mingle with the enduring legacy of Melanesian and Polynesian culture. Immersed in a true island-hopping experience, guests will explore worlds shaped by rich oral tradition, ritual dance and spiritual practices deeply rooted in the ocean and land. Jayapura, the vibrant capital of Indonesia’s Papua province, provides a stunning final contrast on the frontier of diversity and traditional tribal life. The Cruise Plus package provided includes 1 night’s hotel accommodation in Brisbane, all transfers, a charter flight from Brisbane to Honiara to join SH Minerva, and lastly, a charter flight to Bali for international connections after the cruise.
2. Jayapura to Sorong | April 18 – 28 2026 | 10 nights, Secrets of the Coral Triangle: Papua New Guinea & Indonesia
Departing Jayapura, the explorations continue west to Sorong and the spiritual riches of Indonesia’s vast island chain, from sacred landscapes to the power of traditional dance in which movement becomes a storytelling performance across centuries. The Cruise Plus package provided includes 1 night’s hotel accommodation in Bali, all transfers, and a round-trip charter flight from Bali to Jayapura to join SH Minerva and then return home after the cruise.
3. Sorong to Manila | April 28 – May 9 2026 | 11 nights, Last Paradise on Earth: Raja Ampat, Indonesia & Philippines
Crossing the biodiverse waters of Raja Ampat, one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems, this cruise takes guests to experience the raw beauty of otherworldly coral islets and lush tropical forests. The final experience is Manila, famous for its varied architecture, bustling markets and thriving culinary scene. The Cruise Plus package provided includes 1 night’s hotel accommodation in Bali, a charter flight from Bali to Sorong and all transfers.
4. Manila to Hiroshima | May 9 – 20 2026 | 11 nights, Philippines to Japan Cultural Discovery
This cruise commences with in-depth explorations of the northern Philippines, from the Hundred Islands National Park and historic Vigan to the windswept Batanes Islands, famous for their stone houses and untamed coastal cliffs. Sailing north to Zamami Island in the Kerama Archipelago, guests will experience the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches that have led it to be known as the “Japanese Maldives”. The beautiful island of Amami Oshima follows, then the Christian village of Sakitsu and the inspiring volcanic landscapes of Kagoshima. Unforgettable Hiroshima marks the end of this journey and an inevitable new beginning, as a unique symbol of peace, resilience and reinvention. This voyage is a Cruise Only package.
5. Hiroshima to Otaru | May 20 – 30 2026 | 10 nights, Japan
The final cruise in SH Minerva’s Asia Pacific season is a voyage deep into the soul of northern Japan, from the culture-rich streets of Hiroshima to ancient temples and castles, then onward to the tranquil north. The journey ends in Otaru, a charming canal city on Hokkaido island, renowned for its glassware, fresh seafood markets and historic ambiance. This voyage is a Cruise Only package.
The two Asia Pacific cultural expedition cruises in September 2026 are both focused on Japan and follow on directly from one another so they too can be combined into a single seamless voyage of discovery.
1. Otaru to Hiroshima | September 1 – 10 2026 | 10 nights, Japan
The first September cruise is identical to the last one in May, only sailing in the reverse direction, departing September 1st.
2. Hiroshima to Itozaki – Onomichi | September 11 – 20 2026 | 10 nights, Japan
An unforgettable exploration of the Kerama Archipelago to Nagasaki that continues through the Kanmon Strait to Beppu, and then on to Itozaki and Onomichi’s breathtaking historic temples.
“We’re exceptionally proud that SH Minerva is now offering our guests access to the Asia Pacific – a region of extraordinary cultural richness and natural beauty,” says Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito. “This marks a new chapter for our company and this ship, the emblem of Swan Hellenic’s renaissance, as she continues to sail under our full ownership. With this first Asia Pacific season, we now offer a truly global choice of voyages, touching every continent and offering our guests a uniquely meaningful way to explore the world, seeing what others don’t.”
Bookings for all these Asia Pacific 2026 cruises are now open on the Swan Hellenic website and through authorized travel agents.
(SH Minerva now offers world’s first Asia-Pacific cultural expedition cruises)
